NAVIGATION WEEKEND
Snowdonia
Snowdonia Navigation Course
Friday, October 11th - Sunday 13th.
£330 per person (including accommodation).
Experience the ultimate navigation learning weekend in the breathtaking landscapes of Snowdonia! Immerse yourself in the beauty of this mountainous region while gaining valuable skills for your outdoor adventures. This is a green event on our expedition Traffic light system.
Day 1 starts with utilising your pre-weekend x3 Zoom training sessions (included) on basic map skills, where seasoned experts will guide you through the fundamentals of reading and interpreting maps. Learn how to identify key landmarks, contour lines, and symbols, enabling you to navigate confidently in any terrain. You will practise the essential skills of how to set the map to the land and a compass.
As dusk settles, embark on a thrilling night walk, putting your newly acquired knowledge to the test. Under the guidance of experienced instructors, navigate through the darkness, honing your skills in low-light conditions. Embrace the challenges and discover the serenity of the nocturnal wilderness.
You will learn how to pace distance and walk on a compass bearing.
On Day 2, lace up your hiking boots and conquer the majestic peaks of Snowdonia. Ascend through stunning valleys, traverse rocky terrains, and marvel at breathtaking vistas. Along the way, your instructors will teach you the 5 D’s of navigation: Direction, Distance, Description, Duration, and Decision-making. Master these essential principles to navigate the mountains and confidently make informed decisions during expeditions. Relax in the evening with a legendary Turn Wild social.
Day 3 - Build confidence. Practise your skills and boost your confidence as you lead yourself on a basic navigation test.
This navigation learning weekend in Snowdonia is a transformative experience, equipping you with the skills and confidence to navigate the great outdoors safely and independently. Don’t miss this opportunity to embark on an unforgettable journey of learning, discovery, and natural beauty.
Experience comfort and adventure at The Rocks, a 5-star hostel in Capel Curig. Hot showers, living room, chill-out areas and full use of a kitchen for your convenience. Stay in their luxurious mixed dormitory, where you can unwind in style after a day of exploring Snowdonia. Enjoy stunning landscapes while enjoying top-notch amenities and a vibrant social atmosphere.
What you will learn
Learning navigation skills for lowland and mountain areas is crucial for outdoor enthusiasts and adventurers. In lowland environments, understanding map reading, compass use, and basic GPS navigation helps avoid getting lost and ensures a safe journey. Route planning and recognising landmarks aid in efficient progress.
In mountainous regions, additional skills like contour interpretation and terrain interpretation become essential. Identifying potential hazards and correct route selection are paramount for safety. Mastering these skills enhances self-reliance, promotes responsible exploration, and minimises risks.
We aim to give you the skills and confidence to go out and practice proficiently.
Understand a map key
How to locate points on a map using grid references
Understanding contours
Route choice- The 5 D’s of navigation
Aligning the map to the land
How to use a compass
How to walk on a bearing
How to measure distance on a map
How to measure distance on a hike.
Bad weather skills
Effective methods for calling for help
Itinerary
Day One: Friday 13th October - 13:30-17:30 Arrive: Capel Curig.
Arrive by 13:30 A quick introduction, and we get straight into it. Learning how to set the map to the ground or with a compass. We will become familiar with map features and follow your planned route. A quick start is possible due to our pre-weekend Zoom training.
Timings are very friendly for those arriving from and departing London by train. Taxi shares will be organised (not included)
19:30 Night Exercise
Learn bad weather skills. Walking on a bearing. How to pace distance
Due to time constraints, we will supply an expedition meal, but you may have time to grab food from a local pub.
Day Two: Saturday 14th Big Hike
We aim to get some miles in the legs, grab some views and improve our navigation. The evening is Social Night, but feel free to relax as you wish
Route: This will be decided on the best day to suit the group and the weather. 6 hours hiking
Day Three: Sunday 14th April - Navigation test
Plan a route on the side of Moel Siabod to get to some navigational markers. Enjoy doing it in pairs or on your own. Build your confidence as you self-lead whilst knowing your guide nearby (but not in sight) to help—de-brief after to consolidate learning from the exercise.
We will finish by 14:00, allowing those travelling by train to catch the 15:00 from Bangor to London.
What is included
Two nights in a small dorm of 4 persons in a 5-star hostel
A dehydrated firepot expedition meal Friday night
X3 Zoom pre-weekend navigation lessons on “The Basics.”
Zoom lesson notes
A single one-to-one Zoom session with a guide if needed
Emergency equipment
One afternoon outside navigation lesson
One classroom planning lesson
One night exercise
One micro navigation test
One 6 hours hiking/ map reading day
Packing list
What is not included
Your transport to Capel Curig
Your map OS Explorer OL17
Compass (get a decent one like Silva Expedition 4)
Alcoholic drinks
Breakfasts/ Snacks
Meals at pub lunches
Any costs additional costs due to bad weather/ emergency
FAQs
I am a total beginner. Is this course still suitable for me?
Yes!! The Zoom lessons start at the beginning of navigation with a map. Now, understanding the basics of the map means you will be at an ideal point to learn as soon as you arrive. However, depending on your progress at the end of the course, you should continue the self-led practice until you lead a group into a storm!
I am coming by train, is this possible?
Yes, very much so, as we try to be environmentally considerate at Turn Wild. We will assist in setting up a taxi share from Bangor with other team members.
If I get sick, will I get a refund?
Unfortunately, we can not do this and survive as a small company. We suggest you have insurance against this and anything else that may prevent your weekend.
Why are you only supplying food on the evening of Friday?
Due to the small break between the afternoon and evening sessions, we thought it prudent to aid your learning environment by taking the stress of “what am I going to eat” away. It may be prudent to bring a backup breakfast for Sunday, depending on how busy the excellent cafe is next door that morning.
How to book
The total cost is £330. A deposit of 50 per cent is required to secure your place. Full payment is required 50 days before the event. Cancellations made more than 50 days before the start of the expedition will result in the loss of the trip deposit. For cancellations made within 30-40 days of the trip commencement date, Turn Wild reserves the right to retain 50% of the balance payment. For cancellations within 30 days of the departure date, Turn Wild will retain 100% of the full fee.
Contact Ian at 07901 916 169 or Ian@turnwild.com to check availability. We only take small teams, so places are limited. Find out more about Turn Wild’s terms and conditions here.